Here's a small tip for new investors that I was never told about real estate investing.I purchased two properties in 2024 and early this week I got a text from my tenant that they received mail for me at the rental.

The trick is staying locked in long enough to see the results.

I’ve seen investors succeed by negotiating master leases with nonprofits, which locks in rent payments regardless of occupancy.

Likely will need an upgrade in the vacant unit at least.Financing & Numbers:Purchase price: $1.3M$600K down, financing $700K at 7% interestMonthly mortgage (P&I): $4,660Property taxes: $1,300Insurance: $250Maintenance/reserves: $250 (may need more due to the condition)Total expenses: ~$6,760/monthRental income: $5,000/monthOut-of-pocket cost to live there: $1,760/monthThought Process:I could gradually tackle repairs & renovations while keeping the units rented.Tenant turnover could allow for rent increases, but that’s uncertain with SF rent control.SF appreciation is solid long-term, but the building needs work.Alternative: Rent a 1BR in SF (~$3,200) and invest in a property elsewhere in NorCal, but I like the idea of locking in SF real estate now.Would love to hear thoughts—good long-term play or too risky with the maintenance issues?

One more tip hit town homes and condo communities in the area.

If you ever have any questions feel free to reach out I enjoy helping or offering tips/loopholes to other BP members.

It sounds like you’ve built a strong foundation with your first rental—locking in a 2.25% interest rate and pulling in $4,500 in rent is a great position to be in.

Beyond real estate investing, BiggerPockets Money has great episodes on how to avoid the middle class trap with your investments - ie how to structure your investment best so that they're not all locked up in accounts with penalties until you're 65. 

What are your tips and best pieces of advice for monitoring the foreclosure market? 

Flexibility in Loan Terms: Josh offered a unique hybrid product that let my friend lock in a portion at a fixed rate while leaving the rest variable.